Great color and dense aromas promise a bit more heft than the wine initially delivers, but it’s off to a good start. Inky purple and scented with lead pencil, iron, blackberry and black cherry; flavors follow. The wine spent 18 months in 100% new French oak yet does not smell or taste oaky; its supple and muscular, with the potential to age. It seems to fall away in the middle, then resonates through a firm finish. Definitely could be cellared for a decade or more.——P.G.(12/31/2008)—— 90